Volkswagen will use the annual GTI gathering at Lake Worthersee in Austria to reveal the fastest and most powerful Golf GTI ever to reach production, celebrating 40 years since the launch of the first generation Golf GTI.
The Golf GTI Clubsport S has 306bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, enabling it to reach 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and a derestricted top speed of 165mph, making it faster and more powerful than the four-wheel-drive Golf R.
As well as additional power, the GTI Clubsport S weight has been reduced by almost 70kg, including a lightweight exhaust system and the removal of the rear seats. The chassis has been substantially changed too, with bespoke settings, semi-slick tyres and a special ‘Nurburgring’ mode for the dynamic chassis control.
Much of the development work was carried out on racetracks including the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife and in doing so, the Golf GTI Clubsport S has set a new world record for front-wheel-drive production cars with a lap of 07:49:21.
Just 400 examples of the GTI Clubsport S will be produced, with 100 of those already allocated to the German market. Prices for the UK are yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be in excess of £32,000.
MG has revealed its first SUV. The GS will go up against the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 when it goes on sale next month.
It will have a 1.5-litre petrol engine with around 168bhp, and will be available with both manual and automatic gearbox options. A more powerful 217bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is also likely to be offered, as well as a 1.9-litre diesel engine with 148bhp.
Prices have yet to be revealed but expect entry level cars to start from between £17,000 and £18,000.
One of Scotland’s largest classic car shows is heading to Bridge of Allan on Sunday 15 May. The Stirling and District Classic Car Club’s (SDCCC) 12th annual celebration on wheels will see more than 500 vintage, veteran and classic vehicles assemble in the Strathallan Games Park.
With everything from motorcycles to military trucks, the SDCCC show is one of highlights of the Scottish classic calendar. It’s also run to raise money for charity, with more than £9,000 donated in 2015 to deserving causes. This year, the SDCC will raise money for Stirling Young Carers, CHAS and Alzheimers Scotland.
There’s fun for all the family with a play area for children, bouncy castle, bird of prey exhibit and children’s rides. There is also live music from Bury the Hobbit and the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, and a chance to win a drive in a new MINI for a weekend with dinner, bed and breakfast courtesy of Douglas Park MINI, Stirling.
Gates open at 11am and car parking is free. Entry to the event is £5 per adult and no charge for children under 15.